Businesses in Rhode Island now have two places that can provide information to help them survive a disaster or emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unveiled its National Business Emergency Operation Center (NBEOC) earlier this month. NBEOC is designed to be a virtual location where public and private sector partners can share information about preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. This federal program comes on the heels of Rhode Island's May launch of the Rhode Island Business Emergency Operation Center (RIBEOC).
"Our local businesses provide critical resources and services," said Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) Executive Director Theresa C. Murray. "We want businesses to be better prepared and resilient so they can continue to serve all of their customers – especially important during a disaster. We are excited to be able to collaborate with our federal partners and provide additional resources to Rhode Island companies."
In Rhode Island, the Statewide Business Registry is now available for immediate enrollment at http://www.riema.ri.gov/business. The registry gives enrollees the opportunity to get timely and accurate information about pending or actual emergencies and the impact it could have on business and property.
"RIEMA's goal is also to have the Registry serve as an inventory of resources and expertise available in the business community," said Murray. "If one area of the state is hit hard by a disaster or weather-related event, we could look to businesses in other parts of the state to assist in expediting the recovery process. It truly does take a whole community to mount an effective response."
All participation in RIBEOC and NBEOC is voluntary. To join NBEOC or to share ideas with FEMA representatives, contact FEMA-PSR@dhs.gov
For additional resources and information on business preparedness, visit http://www.riema.ri.gov/business